Animal Crossing's Proving Grounds

Katsuya Eguchi left his home prefecture of Chiba, east of Tokyo, to join Nintendo in 1986, seeking new opportunities. However, he struggled to adapt to life in Kyoto, a city vastly different from the urban landscape of his native Chiba. As he navigated this transition, Eguchi drew inspiration from his own experiences with loneliness and disconnection. Initially, Eguchi’s vision for Animal Crossing took shape as a dungeon crawler game, where players would explore vast environments, battling enemies and collecting valuable resources. Over time, however, the project evolved to incorporate elements of simulation and social interaction, allowing players to build relationships with non-playable characters and engage in everyday activities. Despite the significant changes that occurred during development, Eguchi’s core concept remained rooted in his own emotions and experiences. His desire to create a game that addressed loneliness and isolation is still palpable in Animal Crossing today, making it a relatable and endearing experience for players worldwide.